Finding it too hard? Legit check your Yeezys with our experts:
2. Size tag
2.1. “MADE IN INDIA”
Authentic: Features smaller and thicker text. The spacing between each letter is constant.
Fake: The text appears larger, thinner, and often the spacing between the letters is inconsistent.
2.2. “US UK FR JP CHN”
Authentic: The text has a thicker appearance.
Fake: Appears thinner in contrast.
2.3. Date of Manufacturing
Authentic: A thinner print for the date, for example, “02/20”.
Fake: The print looks overly thick.
2.4. MALE/MÂLE Text
Both authentic and replica Yeezy Boost V2 Sulfur can have or not have the MALE/MÂLE inscriptions. This aspect alone shouldn’t be used as a determinant of authenticity.
2.5. “adidas ®” Text
Authentic: Features thicker inscriptions and there’s clear space between “adidas” and the “®” symbol.
Fake: The text is usually too thin and may sometimes have “adidas” in contact with the “®” symbol.
2.6. APC Number Print
Authentic: The APC number (indicating the manufacturing factory) is thicker.
Fake: The number appears thinner.
3. Box label
3.1. Versions
Yeezy V2 sneakers are released in two main versions: US & International.
US Version
Features three sizes on the label: US, UK, and F.
The US size is prominently displayed, whereas the UK and F sizes are printed smaller beneath it.
International Version (EU + Canada)
Displays the sizes for six countries: US, UK, F, D, J, and CHN.
All six size listings are printed at an equal font size on the label.
3.2. Serial numbers
US Version: The serial number should typically end with V02 or V03.
International Version (Canada + EU): The serial number should end with V10.
For example, a US version label that ends with V10 or an international version ending with V02/V03 is a red flag.
The fake US label above has the “V10” inscription.
It should have a “V02” or “V03” serial number to be authentic.
4. Lacing
Right Shoe:
Authentic – From the wearer’s perspective, the right lace should be under the left lace.
Fake – The laces are attached the other way around. We call them “inverted laces”.
Left Shoe:
Authentic – From the wearer’s perspective, the left lace should be under the right lace.
Fake – Has “inverted laces”.
Let’s take a look at this image to better understand this:
Authentic:
On the right shoe, from the wearer’s view, the right laces should be beneath the left laces.
On the left shoe, from the wearer’s view, the left laces should be beneath the right laces.
Deadstock pairs should have this specific factory lacing pattern.
Fake:
The laces do not follow the authentic pattern, often being “inverted”.
On counterfeit Yeezys, deviations from the standard lacing pattern are common.
5. Boost
5.1. Best replica
Authentic:
The boost is bubbly, soft, and has a specific texture to it.
The pellets on the boost are consistent in shape and evenly spaced out.
Boost sole has a distinct feel and is renowned for its comfort.
Fake:
The boost is often stiffer and doesn’t have the same soft texture as the authentic pairs.
Pellets on the fake boost sole might be irregular in shape and unevenly spaced.
Upon closer inspection, the boost on counterfeit pairs may show visible discrepancies in texture and feel compared to authentic pairs.
5.2. Mid replica
Authentic:
Pellets appear more randomized in placement.
Pellets have a smoother texture.
Fake:
Pellets often appear mathematically aligned.
Rougher texture on the pellets.
5.3. Low replica
In the image provided, we showcase another example of the counterfeit Yeezy Sulfur boost sole.
6. Shape
Authentic:
Wider opening at the tongue area on the sockliner.
Balanced shape, not too narrow or too wide.
Fake:
Tongue area tends to be narrower, especially at the sockliner’s opening.
Some fakes may also present an opening that’s too wide.
7. Stitching
Authentic:
Stitching in the middle is shorter in length.
The stitches appear thicker.
Fake:
Middle stitching is noticeably thinner.
The stitches are longer than those on the authentic pair.
8. Toe box
Authentic:
Toe box is less curvy and doesn’t have a bumpy appearance.
It retains its original structure without looking over-inflated.
Fake:
The toe box is noticeably curvier.
Often has an over-inflated appearance, making it look bulkier than it should.
9. Insole
9.1. Rear
Authentic:
The Adidas Trefoil logo has a significantly deeper embossment, evident in the shadows reflecting the depth.
Characters in the “Adidas” text are finer and thinner.
Less distance between the “Adidas” text and the outline, creating a more compact look.
The ® engraving matches the depth of other characters on the logo.
Fake:
The logo embossment isn’t as deep as on the authentic.
Characters in the “Adidas” text are noticeably thicker.
There’s an evident space between the “Adidas” text and the outline.
The letter R in the ® engraving is larger than it should be.
The “adidas” and “YEEZY” texts have letters that are bold and thick.
Both texts are consistent in font weight and size.
Fake:
The letters in the “adidas” and “YEEZY” texts appear too thin.
Lack of consistency and boldness in the font compared to the authentic pair.
9.3. Serial number
Authentic:
Proper thickness and spacing in the serial number text.
Clear dash character between numbers.
Fake:
Thicker serial number text, causing reduced spacing.
Squeezed appearance of the dash character.
Shortlist: Legit check your Yeezy Sulfur
Scan the barcode: the style-code, color, model, and size must match your pair.
Examine the shoe’s shape, ensuring the tongue isn’t excessively long.
Observe the lacing pattern: on the right shoe, the right lace should be underneath, while on the left shoe, the left lace should be underneath (from a top-down perspective).
Review the size tag for any irregularities, as highlighted in our Yeezy Sulfur comparison.
Check the toe box; counterfeit versions often have a more pronounced arch.
Assess the tongue’s shape, especially the tongue area, which can be either insufficiently or overly curved in fakes.
Examine the boost sole, noting that fake ones often have misshapen pellets.
Inspect the central stitching; replicas typically have longer, thinner stitches.
Evaluate the insole’s text, as counterfeit Yeezys often display improper font-weight.
At times, you might not have the luxury of time to delve deep into every authentication step for your Yeezy Boost V2 Sulfur.
For such instances, we’ve put together a swift 60-second guide to verify your Sulfur V2s.
Expert Yeezy 350 V2 Sulfur authentication
If you’ve gone through this guide and still have doubts about your shoes’ authenticity:
Simply send us clear photos of your V2 Sulfur.
We’ll provide feedback within 24 to 48 hours.
Along with our verdict, we’ll include an explanation on whether we think your sneakers are original or not.
Want to avoid scams for your next sneaker, watch, designer item or bag? Enter your email address and we'll send the FREE guide over.
About the Author
David is the co-founder and co-CEO of Legit Check By Ch. David's experience: 5+ years of creating educational content in the fashion industry. 6+ years of authenticating luxury items. Currently, David is the Head Editor of the LCBC Library, where 1,000,000+ words have been published, in free guides, for over 1,000 items.